Experience the hospitality that Filipinos are known for as you partake in a sumptuous feast of exotic local dishes and delicacies in a traditional “barrio fiesta” atmosphere. The highlight of the evening is a special presentation of folk dances performed by graceful maidens and dashing lads in authentic native costumes. These symbolic ceremonial dances of the northern mountain tribes offer romantic Spanish-influenced reels, as well as the expressive tribal dances of the Muslim south. Enjoy a showcase of Filipino soul presented through dance. Towards the end of the evening, you will have an opportunity to show that you too can perform as guests are invited to participate.
Located on the edge of a 30km (19 mile) wide caldera, Tagaytay City is about an hour and half outside of Manila. The volcanic crater was created more than 100,000 years ago and the city provides breathtaking panoramic views of Taal Lake. You will enjoy a peaceful picnic on the lake shore before taking quick boat ride to Volcano Island. Riding on horseback over solidified black lava flows, you will reach the spectacular vantage point overlooking Crater Lake – a stunning ‘lake within a lake’ – and Vulcan Point.
Meeting point: Pick-up from Makati and Manila Bay area hotels from 8.45am, returning at 5.15pm.
The verdant valley between Mounts Makiling and Banahaw boasts some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Philippines. These two sacred mountains have been for many years been a major staple for local myths and legends, while in the natural worlds, the area is home to an impressive collection of rare orchids and other exotic flora. Mount Makiling is considered a potentially active volcano while Mount Banahaw is classified as an active volcano. Several naturally heated volcanic water pools are available for those want to take a refreshing dip so bring your swim suit.
Meeting point: Pick-up from Makati and Manila Bay area hotels from 8.45am, returning at 5.15pm.
What is now a modern freeport and tourism zone was America’s largest naval facility in the Pacific region until the eruption of the Mount Pinatubo in 1991. But such was the violence of the volcanic eruption that the US Navy pulled out and abandoned the Subic Naval Base.
Witness the aftermath brought by Mount Pinatubo’s eruption (considered the strongest volcanic eruption in the last century) while passing through the provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga. Then visit a JEST Camp (Jungle Environmental Survival Training Camp) where indigenous people called Aetas demonstrate survival skills in a tropical rain forest. Experience a Zoobic safari with its ride-through tiger enclosure (the only one of its kind in the Philippines.) There is an option to stop by duty free shops inside the Freeport Zone before the return trip to Manila.
Meeting point: Pick-up from Makati and Manila Bay area hotels from 8.45am, returning at 5.15pm.
Discover the majestic Pagsanjan Falls and see a little bit of heaven on Earth. Take a scenic boat ride on a native dugout canoe (banca). As the boat is skilfully manoeuvred upstream by two boatmen, the landscape diversifies with beautiful boulders, steep gorges and lush tropical vegetation.
Return downstream by “shooting the rapids” as expert boatmen steer past huge boulders in churning waters at top speeds. With its booming waters cascading down the cliff 275 metres (900ft) below, this is truly an exhilarating, spine-tingling, adrenaline-pumping ride.
Meeting point: Pick-up from Makati and Manila Bay area hotels from 8.45am, returning at 5.15pm.
The Villa Escudero Plantation is about a two-hour drive south of Metro Manila. This quaint, historic villa is set amidst a pastoral grove inside a coconut plantation, a picturesque showcase of old plantation life. Guests will tour the plantation on board a cart drawn by carabao (a water buffalo native to the Philippines) while serenaded by a native band.
This resort villa also has its own museum which houses the family’s vast collection of historic, religious and cultural artefacts, some dating back to pre-Hispanic times. The highlight of the day is sitting down to a sumptuous lunch served beneath a man-made dam. Feel free to immerse your feet in the cool rushing waters from a nearby lagoon. A swim in Villa Escudero’s spring-fed pools will complete this memorable visit.
Meeting point: Pick-up from Makati and Manila Bay area hotels from 8.45am, returning at 5.15pm.
Angono’s claim to fame is as the home to many famous visual artists including the legendary national artist Carlos ‘Botong’ Francisco. Stop at the Nemiranda Arthouse, a gallery operated by renowned painter Nemi Miranda, who has won various awards and distinctions both locally and abroad. Also see the Blanco Family Museum and the residence of the late Carlos ‘Botong’ Francisco.
You will also have the rare opportunity to visit the Angono Caves where ancient petroglyphs dating back to 3000BC were discovered. A cultural heritage site, this pre-historic work of art offers a glimpse into the life of ancient Filipinos. Time permitting; we will shop for native crafts and souvenirs at the Tiendesitas.
Meeting point: Pick-up from Makati and Manila Bay area hotels from 8.45am, returning at 5.15pm.
Begin the day with a drive to the picturesque city of Tagaytay. Located on a ridge 685 metres (2,250ft) above sea level, it offers stunning panoramic views of Taal Lake and Volcano. Then a visit to the Palace in the Sky, the country retreat of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos, presents breathtaking views of the lake and volcano.
We’ll stop for a brief lunch in one of the local restaurants to sample cuisine and delicacies popular to the region. During lunch admire the famous panoramic views. Then prepare for the trip back to Metro Manila.
Our sightseeing tour of Manila starts with a visit to the American War Memorial and Cemetery. Experience the hustle and bustle of Makati, as we make our way to the country’s capital city Manila via the scenic Roxas Boulevard. Pass through Rizal Park on the way to the walled city of Intramuros. Then travel back in time down cobbled stone streets to the San Agustin Church with the final stop being at Fort Santiago.
Comience el día con un paseo matinal por lugares como el complejo comercial Mall of Asia, el Palacio del Coco, el Centro Cultura de las Filipinas y el parque Rizal camino de la antigua ciudad amurallada de Intramuros. Haremos la primera parada en Casa Manila, una casa española reconstruida de mediados del siglo XIX.
Este museo colonial contiene muebles y obras de arte de distintas épocas, desde el siglo XVII hasta principios del siglo XX, y muestra el estilo de vida de los filipinos de clase alta cuando cambió el siglo. La segunda parada será en la iglesia-museo de San Agustín. Los muros de esta iglesia, declarada Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la Unesco en 1993, han sido testigos silenciosos de la historia de las Filipinas. Al lado de la iglesia se encuentra el museo, que contiene una rica colección de ropajes y obras de arte religioso españoles.
Tras el almuerzo, seguimos con el recorrido hasta Makati, el gran distrito financiero del país. Pasaremos por la parroquia de San Pedro y San Pablo. Construida en 1620, es la iglesia más antigua de Makati. Después nos dirigiremos a la iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, levantada por los frailes agustinos en 1629. La siguiente parada es Nielson Tower, que fue el primer aeropuerto comercial del país y hoy es la sede de la Biblioteca del Patrimonio de Filipinas. Por último, visitaremos el Museo Ayala, en el corazón del complejo comercial Ayala Center. La Experiencia Diorama es una maravillosa exposición permanente con más de 60 dioramas artesanales que describen la rica historia de los tapices filipinos. Después podrá regresar a su hotel o quedarse en el Ayala Center y disfrutar de unas espléndidas compras.
On the way up, visit San Jose Church in Las Piñas to see the world-famous Las Piñas Bamboo Organ. Built in the 19th century by Spanish priest Fr Diego Cera, the organ is made up of more than 800 bamboo pipes. It is a powerful symbol of Filipino Catholicism and has been declared a national cultural treasure.
We’ll then visit a local ‘jeepney’ assembly plant for an inside look at how these popular vehicles, unique to the Philippines, are built. Time permitting; we’ll stop by at a either pineapple or coffee plantation to sample the local produce, or at one of the local wood-carving workshops dotting the roadside.
Meeting point: Pick-up in Makati and Manila Bay area hotels between 8.45am and 9.15am, returning from 5.15pm.
Other information: Please present your voucher to the local guide at the beginning of the tour.
Corregidor Island lies at the entrance to Manila Bay, guarding the capital like a seaborne sentry. This tadpole-shaped island, nicknamed ‘the Rock’, provided the first line of defence for the Filipino and American soldiers from the invading Japanese forces during the World War II.
Relive history by partaking in the Malinta Tunnel Light and Sound Show, which chronicles the events that shaped the centre of American operations during the war. Then visit the Mile Long Barracks that served as the quarters of some 2,000 US officials including General Douglas MacArthur. We’ll take a quick detour to the Spanish Lighthouse which offers a spectacular view of Manila Bay and the South China Sea.
Additional sights include the batteries displaying the various guns from the time and the Pacific War Memorial, one of only two memorials built by the US government to mark the war.
The tour starts in Makati City with a stop at the American Cemetery, the largest of its kind outside the continental United States. Next we will drive through the vibrant Makati Business District, passing through the emblematic Cultural Center of the Philippines complex. We will stop at the Rizal Monument before proceeding to the famous walled city of Intramuros. Here you can stroll through history at Fort Santiago and the Rizal Museum.
After touring the city, we invite you to relax and watching the sunset over Manila Bay on our dinner cruise. Admire in the city skyline while feasting on traditional Philippine cuisine and enjoying the lights of Roxas Boulevard. End the night with a live performance from a local band before heading back to port.
Meeting point: Pick-up from Makati and Manila Bay area hotels from 1.45pm, returning at 7.30pm.
From the hotel, travel to the Cultural Center of the Philippines to board your cruise. Choose one of the following cruise options:
1. The Sunset Cruise - just in time to catch the world famous Manila Bay Sunset.
2. The Mid-Evening Cruise - view the frantic lights of Roxas Boulevard.
3. The Night Cruise - enjoy a calm atmosphere and watch as the city settles down.
When on board, savour in a delicious dinner of traditional Filipino cuisine and live entertainment. Exhilarating views of Manila Bay and the cityscape top off the night. Enjoy a truly unforgettable evening.
Meeting point: Pick-up in Makati and Manila Bay area hotels. Tours depart at 5.30pm, 7.00pm and 9.30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Departures at 5pm, 7pm and 9pm on Saturday and Sunday. Collection is 30 minutes beforehand. Cruises last about three hours.
Other information: Please present your voucher to the local guide at the beginning of the tour.
The evening is highlighted by a special presentation of folk dances by graceful maidens and dashing lads in authentic native costumes. The presentation showcases the soul of the Filipino - from the symbolic ceremonial dances of the northern mountain tribes to the romantic Spanish-influenced reels and the expressive tribal dances of the Muslim south. At the end of the show, audience members are given the chance to prove that they, too, can perform.
Meeting point: Pick-up from Manila Bay, Ortigas and Makati City area hotels from 6.30pm, returning at 10pm.
Begin the day at Museo Ng Makati which showcases the city’s most recent history. Then make a stopover at the famous Neilson Tower situated in the heart of the business district. This is where modern Makati took root. Next, explore the Ayala Museum with its dioramas depicting the most important events in the country’s history.
The tour also includes a drive-by of the sixteenth century churches of Saints Peter and Paul Parish (the oldest church in Makati) as well as the Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe. At the end of the tour, choose between returning to your hotel or staying at the Ayala Center for the best shopping in town.
Meeting point: Pick-up from Makati and Manila Bay area hotels from 1.45pm, returning at 6.15pm.